Finance when your file has a bit of history.
If your business or directors have CCJs, defaults, late payments or a previous insolvency, mainstream lenders shut the door. We use a specialist tier-2 panel that prices for the risk and still gets the deal done.
Eligibility at a glance
- Min trading
- 6+ months recommended
- Typical deposit
- 20–35%
- Indicative rate may start at
- 12.4% APR
- Max facility
- Up to £150k typical
- PG required
- Yes — almost always
What actually moves the needle.
What the adverse actually is
Lenders treat 'a satisfied £400 CCJ from 4 years ago' very differently from 'an unsatisfied £25k CCJ from last year'. Honest disclosure up-front saves time and gets sharper offers.
Recovery story
Lenders want to see what changed. New shareholder, new MD, paid HMRC, settled disputed CCJ, came out of CVA — there's almost always a recovery narrative that helps.
Asset quality matters more
On adverse profiles, lenders rely on the asset more heavily. Hard, sellable assets (vans, plant, tractors) are funded; soft assets (IT, furniture) much harder.
Deposit changes everything
A 30% deposit on a £40k van is a different deal from 10%. The deposit absorbs most of the lender's downside risk and unlocks pricing.
Realistic green-lights.
- Director with a 2-year-old satisfied CCJ under £1k, otherwise clean — usually placeable at near-prime rates
- Limited co. that completed a CVA 18+ months ago and has been profitable since — possible with deposit and PG
- Sole trader with a historic default settled 3+ years ago — workable on hard assets with 20%+ deposit
- Phoenix company (new co. after old co. failed) where directors have evidenced recovery — possible on case-by-case
Where it gets harder.
- Active bankruptcy, IVA or DMP — generally not placeable until discharged
- Multiple unsatisfied CCJs against the limited company
- Active winding-up petitions or HMRC enforcement action
- Director disqualifications during the relevant period
Have these ready and we'll move fast.
Common questions.
Will my application affect my credit file?
A calculator or readiness tool does not carry out a credit search. Where a search may be needed as part of an application, we explain the process before proceeding.
How much higher will my rate be?
Pricing, deposit and term depend on the asset, provider, proposed agreement and the full business and credit context. A formal offer, if available, sets out the relevant terms in writing.
Can I still get asset finance after a CVA?
A CVA or other insolvency history can affect availability, price, deposit, guarantee and documentation requirements. Providers assess the full proposal, and an enquiry does not confirm approval.
Do you charge upfront fees for adverse credit applications?
AssetFi may receive commission from a finance provider if a customer enters into a finance agreement. Commission arrangements, any charges and material terms are explained before you decide whether to proceed.
See if a deal works for you.
Start an enquiry to discuss the asset, your circumstances and possible next steps. A credit-search process is explained before any application proceeds.
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